1.18.2010

I am thinking... about the week ahead and praying for wisdom, diligence, and productivity.

I am thankful for... God's faithfulness always!

I am hearing... children working on chores...we're all a bit behind today, but determined to catch up!

I am remembering... Many January 18ths of yesteryear. Today is my childhood friend Susan's birthday. She always had the *best* birthday parties. Her mom was so creative and unique! And frugal. :) So many wonderful memories of her birthdays over the years. I always think of my dad on Susan's birthday, too. For many years, it snowed almost every year on Susan's birthday. Even after we had moved here, and I was grown, sometime around January 16, Daddy would say, "Are you ready for snow?" :) *Soo* glad it isn't snowing today!!

I am going... to be home all day today, I hope! Love Mondays at home.

I am currently reading... Still have my head in my stack of "homeschool faves", as I finish planning the year. Didn't get far in The Jesus You Can't Ignore, by John MacArthur, last week, but hoping to remedy that this week. Also reading bits at a time from E.M. Bounds on Prayer.

Also reading this article this morning...excellent, timely reading for me, shared by a friend on a message board.

I am hoping... that the temps actually warm up as forecasted...looking forward to highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s/50s this week!

On my mind... Psalm 139. Bro. Kent read it in yesterday's worship service, and I am trying to meditate on it this week. I wish I had more time to share my thoughts on that...maybe later. :)

Noticing that... I have *lots* of things "To Be Blogged" this week. I hope I have time to blog them all!

Pondering these words...

"In God's name, I beseech you, let prayer nourish your soul as your meals nourish your body. Let your fixed seasons of prayer keep you in God's presence through the day, and may His presence frequently remembered through it be an ever fresh spring of prayer. Such a brief, loving recollection of God renews a man's whole being, quiets his passions, supplies light and counsel in difficulty, gradually subdues the temper, and causes him to possess his soul in patience, or rather gives it up to the possession of God."

~ Fenelon (from E.M. Bounds on Prayer)

I read this this morning and thought it was timely. Just yesterday I had heard a snippet on the radio about the Jews' practice of stopping to pray at regular times during the day, and decided that I would incorporate, at least for a while, scheduled prayer times throughout the day. More on that later. :) I thought the above was very timely in light of that.

From the kitchen... Joining in on the Eat From the Pantry Challenge for the rest of the month, and hoping to have time to blog a bit about that this afternoon.

Around the house... Got a *lot* done last week, mostly thanks to Billy. :) Hoping to keep up the momentum this week.

One of my favorite things... shelves full of good books!

From my picture journal... No picture today...maybe I'll have time to come back and add one later!

thanks for sharing I needed to hear the quote...and read what you wroteLife is so hard at times and we need to remember that God is able to use us even when we are hurting...to help others...if we let Him...